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CalFresh 101

What Is CalFresh?

CalFresh, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a nutrition program that can help you stretch your monthly budget by as much as $234 per month! CalFresh can provide eligible students with the ability to buy and eat nutritious and healthy foods!

CalFresh benefits are pre-loaded monthly into an EBT card that can be used like a debit card at most major chain grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s, Safeway, and Costco. It can also be used at some smaller stores, and farmers’ markets.

Who Qualifies?

AB1930 has made CalFresh more inclusive for college student enrollment. If you have any of the following qualifications, you are potentially eligible for CalFresh:

  • Approved for Work Study
  • Work Part-Time (work 20 or more hours a week, or average about 80 hours a month)
  • Receive CalGrants A or B
  • Participate in an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) or Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS)
  • Participate in an Extended Foster Care (AB 12/AB 212) Program
  • Have Children

If none of the above apply to you, please check the list below. If you are involved with any of these programs, you are potentially eligible for CalFresh as well:

  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
  • College Disabled Students Program and Services/Student Academic Support
  • Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) Program
  • UC McNair Program
  • CalFresh Employment and Training Program
  • Mathematics, Engineering Science Achievement (MESA)
  • Program Puente Project
  • Foster Youth Success Initiative
  • Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support (CAFYES)
  • Guardian Scholars Program
  • Chafee Educational Training Voucher Program

Still Don't Know If You Qualify?

Take our CalFresh Pre-Screener Survey to see if you might be eligible.

If you think you may be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits, please visit the "How to Apply" page for more information or start your online application today. If you have any questions or concerns regarding CalFresh, email calfresh@ucsc.edu.